DOJ reviewing Zaldy Co’s corruption allegations vs. Marcos

An official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday that the accusations made by former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez over alleged anomalous flood control projects are now being verified.

Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon confirmed that the DOJ is reviewing Co’s claims, saying, “His statements are being studied to determine its authenticity as the same was not done under oath.”

Co, who is also being investigated for his supposed links to the anomalies, has yet to return to the Philippines, citing fears for his safety. Over the weekend, he released a series of videos on social media accusing Marcos and Romualdez of involvement in corruption.

In his first video, Co claimed that Marcos orchestrated P100 billion in “fund insertions” in the proposed 2025 national budget. In a second video, he alleged that he, his staff, and his security personnel personally delivered suitcases of cash to the two officials and claimed the President received 25 percent of the P100 billion as kickbacks. On Sunday, Co alleged that Marcos and Romualdez received up to P56 billion in kickbacks from flood control projects.

The two officials have denied the allegations.

Earlier, Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said that Co’s statements will have to undergo “routine evidentiary procedures” before they can be considered and held admissible. He also stressed that Co’s video message will not affect the timeline of the DOJ’s investigation into alleged irregularities in the government’s flood control projects.